In projectile motion the horizontal component of velocity: a. Remains constant b. Decreases with time c. Changes uniformly d. Increases with time

1. Break Down the Problem

To determine the behavior of the horizontal component of velocity in projectile motion, we must analyze the fundamental characteristics of projectile motion.

2. Relevant Concepts

In projectile motion:

• The horizontal component of velocity is influenced by the initial velocity and the absence of horizontal forces (ignoring air resistance).
• Horizontal motion is uniform while vertical motion is uniformly accelerated due to gravity.

3. Analysis and Detail

1. Horizontal Motion: In ideal projectile motion (without air resistance), there are no external horizontal forces acting on the projectile. This means that:

   • The horizontal velocity (denoted as $v_x$) remains constant.
   • Any initial horizontal velocity $v_{0x}$ continues unchanged throughout the flight.

2. Vertical Motion: In contrast, the vertical velocity (denoted as $v_y$) changes due to gravity, but this does not affect the horizontal component.

4. Verify and Summarize

Since the horizontal velocity does not depend on gravity and remains unaltered by any forces, the correct statement about the horizontal component of velocity in projectile motion is that it remains constant.

Final Answer

a. Remains constant